Immediately after learning the news, Phillip's pal on the show, Heejun Han, raced over and embraced the singer, who took a moment to process the news.

After hugs from the Top 12 group, Ryan Seacrest handed the new "Idol" a guitar and he was put in front of the mic to sing the tune that will be his first post-win single, "Home." Three-quarters through the song, though, the young man was overcome with emotion, and tears trickled down his face.

"It's been such an honor to be up on this stage, playing with everybody," Phillip said, paying tribute to the "Idol" band and crooners like John Fogerty, whom he sang with at Wednesday's finale. "We wouldn't have sounded so good without them.

"Thank you all for voting for us," he added, for the fans. "It's just been crazy."